There is no Quarantine from Scams

    This is a time of great instability. Many businesses are still closed, people are waiting for Economic Impact Payment (EIP) checks (or debit cards), and are still concerned about their health and safety. If someone approaches them with information to help during a time of need, they want to believe them. That is what criminals are counting on. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is warning all to be on the watch for an increase of COVID-19 related scams.

    The Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI) is aware of schemes regarding EIP and Taxpayers looking to receive faster payment. There is no “processing fee” that will allow anyone speed up their payment. The IRS will never reach out to you by means of text, Social Media, or email. There have been reports of letters coming through the mail using terms like “Stimulus” and “Corona Virus”. Some are being told they need to apply for a second impact payment. The goal of these interactions is to steal your personal information and your money. There is only one truth, but there are many ways to tell lies with small pieces of (what seem to be) truth woven inside. If you feel that something is too good to be true, do not respond.

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